OTTER-HUNTING 



During the time that digging is going on, the field 



should be made to stand well back from the scene 



of operations. When they crowd round the place, 



as the average field so often does, they are a 



nuisance to the diggers, and talk so much that it is 



often impossible to hear the terriers underground. 



Again, should an otter bolt from a drain, and have 



some distance to go before reaching the water, the 



field are nearly sure to start halloing, with the 



result that hounds break away and arrive on the 



scene ere the otter has had fair law. 



Once the otter is afloat, the next thing is to 



keep him going until hounds tire him out, and 



at last gain their reward. The field should now 



spread out at intervals, along the bank, and stand 



still. By doing so each individual can watch the 



water in front of him, and tally when he is certain 



he sees the otter. When the field persists in 



rushing up and down the banks they are a nuisance 



to both hounds and huntsman. Standing still, 



and keeping a bright look out, they can be of the 



greatest service, and at the same time they see 



99 



